O-034 From Suspicion to Submission - Occupational Lung Diseases in the South African Mining Industry: A Handbook for Occupational Medicine Practitioners in South Africa and Beyond

Introduction From suspicion to submission for compensation of occupational lung disease (OLD), Occupational Medicine Practitioners (OMPs) in the South African Mining Industry (SAMI) practice under the Occupational Diseases in Mines and Works Act No. 78 of 1973 (ODMWA) and its Regulations. While science has advanced considerably, laws and guidelines remain outdated and fragmented. Methods The objective of this Handbook is to assist OMPs in the SAMI and beyond, with an approach to the assessment of OLDs, that could be applied consistently when examining current and former mineworkers. The methodology involved desktop literature research and international professional networking by a health consultancy, working independently. Results The Handbook is arranged in a set of eight chapters with sections on definitions, legislation, policy, principles, key concepts, pulmonary impairment, radiographic classification and postmortem examinations. Quick reference guides on pneumoconiosis, tuberculosis, chronic obstructive airways disease, and “other” OLDs such as occupational asthma and lung cancer, are provided. Discussion Within complex policy frameworks, detangling outdated clinical approaches, collating scientific evidence and synthesizing theory into practice, was a rigorous, repetitive process. Commonly used terms were defined simply, and newer concepts were introduced. The manuscript was reviewed extensively by subject matter experts, and edited comprehensively. The Handbook serves as an invaluable desktop tool for OMPs, and their teams. It is a blueprint for how OMPs can translate highly technical terms and apply their knowledge into practical guides. Conclusion The authors’ four-year journey from conceptualisation to publication is one of commitment to workers’ health, that should inspire occupational health professionals.